The European Union (EU) has pledged an additional €10 million in humanitarian aid for Cuba, days after the United States dispatched the first shipment under its $100 million relief commitment to the island. Intensified US economic sanctions and a near-total block on oil and fuel imports have left Cuba in the throes of a humanitarian crisis.
International donors step up humanitarian response
The European Commission disclosed that the new funding will help the people hardest hit by the crisis, including older adults, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and isolated communities struggling with persistent energy shortages.
Humanitarian partners will use the money to purchase medicines, support primary and maternal healthcare facilities, and provide emergency food assistance. Additionally, the package includes logistics support for hard-to-reach communities and renewable energy solutions to keep essential services running during power outages.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said the energy crisis has made it increasingly difficult for Cubans to obtain basic supplies and access healthcare. She added that the European Union wants its latest contribution to help humanitarian organizations deliver medical assistance to communities facing the greatest needs.
“Once again, the EU is showing solidarity with the Cuban people, with additional funding that will allow our partners to provide food, healthcare, clean water and other necessities,” said Lahbib
The Commission added that the €10 million comes on top of €4 million approved earlier this year for humanitarian operations in the Caribbean, most of which supported Cuba. It also follows an additional €2 million approved in April and nearly €6 million mobilized in 2025 after Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across the island.
US begins delivering $100 million in aid for Cuba
Meanwhile, the European announcement follows a major humanitarian move by the United States. The first flight carrying supplies under Washington’s $100 million humanitarian commitment departed from Miami this week.
Catholic Relief Services will distribute the assistance in partnership with the Catholic Church and Cáritas Cuba, allowing aid to reach vulnerable communities through established local networks.
Earlier today, Senior State Department officials joined @CatholicRelief to send off the first flight of humanitarian aid following @SecRubio‘s historic commitment of $100 million in humanitarian assistance directly to the Cuban people. pic.twitter.com/LWZRjDvb2R
— Department of State (@StateDept) July 22, 2026
The new US aid for Cuba marks one of Washington’s largest recent humanitarian commitments to Cuba. Unlike previous emergency programs administered through USAID, the current package comes through the State Department as the Trump administration reshapes how it delivers overseas humanitarian assistance.
Cuba has faced repeated nationwide power outages, fuel shortages, and supply chain disruptions that have strained hospitals, reduced access to medicines, and made it harder for families to secure food and clean water. Consequently, humanitarian organizations have warned that vulnerable groups face increasing risks as the crisis persists.
The European Union said it will channel its funding exclusively through humanitarian partners already operating in Cuba to ensure independent delivery. Similarly, Catholic Relief Services and Cáritas Cuba will oversee the distribution of US-funded assistance, focusing on communities with the greatest humanitarian needs.